Aerodynamic directional grenade, launcher therefor and weapons system utilizing the same

ABSTRACT

An aerodynamic directional grenade in the form of a body formed of a high-energy explosive material, said grenade having a generally saucerlike configuration with upper and lower surfaces that are adapted to sail through the air, the upper surface having a length in the direction of airflow which is greater than the length of the lower surface in the direction of airflow, whereby, when the body is propelled through the air an aerodynamic lift is imparted to the body. Fragment forming means is carried adjacent to one portion of the body, and means is carried by the body for detonating the body. A launcher is provided for the aerodynamic directional grenade and has a launcher housing which carries a magazine that is adapted to receive a plurality of the grenades stacked one above the other, the housing having a discharge opening through which the grenades can be discharged. Means is mounted on the housing for receiving the grenades one by one from the magazine and discharging the same through the said opening at a speed so that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through the air. Means is further included in said launcher to impart to the aerodynamic directional grenade a degree of rotation resulting in gyroscopic stability about an axis generally transverse to the direction of aerodynamic flight, requisite to maintaining a favorable aerodynamic flight orientation and desired orientation at detonation. Means is mounted on the housing for initiating operation, on or before the grenade leaves the housing, of the means carried by the body for detonating the body. The weapons system may typically be used on a vehicle on which at least one launcher is carried by the vehicle and in which the launcher includes a means for launching the grenades sequentially from said magazine and to disperse the grenades automatically over a predetermined area within reasonably immediate range of the vehicle within a relatively short period of time. A plurality of the launchers can be provided to cover all the immediate area around the vehicle. The weapons system is capable of saturating the area immediately in the vicinity of the launcher with lethal fragments within a very short period of time.

United States Patent Posson et al.

[ Mar. 7, 1972 [54] AERODYNAMIC DIRECTIONAL GRENADE, LAUNCHER THEREFORAND WEAPONS SYSTEM UTILIZING THE SAME [72] Inventors: Philip LynnPosson, Suisun; Donald Baker Moore, San Lorenzo; Dallas Earl Nicholson,Napa, all of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Explosive Technology, Inc., Fairfield,

Calif.

[22] Filed: Mar. 27, 1969 [211 Appl. No.: 811,702

[52] U.S.Cl. ..102/67, 89/1 R, 102/4,

[51] Int. Cl ..F42b 13/48 [58] FieldofSearch ..89/1,14;102/69,65,67,1,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,204,282 11/1916 Lake..89/14 2,023,158 12/1935 Williams ..102/64 2,328,276 8/1943 Hunt 102/82,972,949 2/1961 MacLeod.... 102/67 3,500,714 3/1970 Cullinane......89/1

Primary Examiner-Sarnuel W. Engle Attorney-Flehr, Hohbach, Test,Albritton & Herbert [57] ABSTRACT An aerodynamic directional grenade inthe form of a body formed of a high-energy explosive material, saidgrenade having a generally saucerlike configuration with upper and lower009/ item surfaces that are adapted to sail through the air, the uppersurface having a length in the direction of airflow which is greaterthan the length of the lower surface in the direction of airflow,whereby, when the body is propelled through the air an aerodynamic liftis imparted to the body. Fragment forming means is carried adjacent toone portion of the body, and means is carried by the body for detonatingthe body.

A launcher is provided for the aerodynamic directional grenade and has alauncher housing which carries a magazine that is adapted to receive aplurality of the grenades stacked one above the other, the housinghaving a discharge opening through which the grenades can be discharged.Means is mounted on the housing for receiving the grenades one by onefrom the magazine and discharging the same through the said opening at aspeed so that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through theair. Means is further included in said launcher to impart to theaerodynamic directional grenade a degree of rotation resulting ingyroscopic stability about an axis generally transverse to the directionof aerodynamic flight, requisite to maintaining a favorable aerodynamicflight orientation and desired orientation at detonation. Means ismounted on the housing for initiating operation, on or before thegrenade leaves the housing, of the means carried by the body fordetonating the body.

The weapons system may typically be used on a vehicle on which at leastone launcher is carried by the vehicle and in which the launcherincludes a means for launching the grenades sequentially from saidmagazine and to disperse the grenades automatically over a predeterminedarea within reasonably immediate range of the vehicle within arelatively short period of time. A plurality of the launchers can beprovided to cover all the immediate area around the vehicle. The weaponssystem is capable of saturating the area immediately in the vicinity ofthe launcher with lethal fragments within a very short period of time.

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' SHEEIBUFA INVENTORSI PHILLIP L POSSON DONALD B MOORE DALLAS ENICHOLSON PATEN-TEUMAR 7 I972 SHEET u [1F 4 IAI INVENTORS I-IILLIP L.POSSON DONALD E. MOORE DALLAS E. NICHOLSON AERODYNAMIC DIRECTIONALGRENADE, LAUNCHER THEREFOR AND WEAPONS SYSTEM UTILIZING THE SAMEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Aerodynamic antipersonnel grenades ofvarious types heretofore have been provided. However, such grenades havebeen generally designed so as to disperse lethal fragments in alldirections. In other words, such grenades have not discharged a majorityof the lethal fragments in only a single desired direction. There isneed therefore for a new and improved grenade. In military warfare thereis a need for providing a very rapid and highly efficient defensiveresponse weapons system in the event a vehicle is ambushed or in otherappropriate tactical maneuvers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The aerodynamic directional grenadeconsists of a body which is formed of a high-energy explosive. The body,or alternately the body housing, is generally saucerlike in shape and isformed with an airfoil on its outer perimeter. Fragment forming means iscarried adjacent one portion of the body and means is carried by thebody for detonating the body to cause lethal fragments to be projectedaway from the body in generally one direction.

The launcher for the aerodynamically directional grenades consists ofthe housing with a magazine carried by the housing that is adapted toreceive a plurality of the grenades stacked one above the other. Thehousing is provided with a discharge opening through which the grenadesare adapted to be discharged. Means is mounted in the housing forreceiving the grenades one by one through an inlet opening and ofdischarging the same in sequence through the discharge opening at aspeed such that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through theair and so that the grenades are spun such that they are gyroscopicallystabilized with the axis of spin generally at right angles to thedirection of aerodynamic flight. Means is mounted on the housing forinitiating operation of the grenades as they are discharged from thehousing.

Typically, the weapons system is for use on a vehicle already at apredetermined location in which at least one launcher is utilized. Eachlauncher is provided with a magazine in which it is capable of holding aplurality of aerodynamic directional grenades. The launcher includesmeans for launching the grenades sequentially from the magazine todisperse the grenades automatically over a predetermined area within arelatively short period of time to cause lethal fragments to saturatethe said predetermined area within said relatively short period of time.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide anaerodynamic directional grenade, launcher therefor and weapons systemutilizing the same which are relatively inexpensive and which can beutilized by relatively unskilled personnel.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a grenade launcherand weapons system which can be rapidly placed in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade launcher andweapons system of the above character which can be utilized forsaturation of a preselected area with lethal fragments within a veryshort period of time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a launcher and weaponssystem of the above character whose operation is substantially automaticonce operation has been initiated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a launcher and weaponssystem of the above character which is particularly useful in defensivesituations as for example, with ambushed vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the abovecharacter which can be safely used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the abovecharacter in which the lethal fragments can be projected in a chosendirection.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the abovecharacter in which the functioning time is not critical.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the abovecharacter in which different types of fragments may be utilized.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from thefollowing description in which the preferred embodiments are set forthin detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of anaerodynamic directional grenade incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the grenade shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing anotherembodiment of an aerodynamic directional grenade incorporating thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing anotherembodiment of an aerodynamic directional grenade incorporating thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing still anotherembodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a launcher for the aerodynamic directionalgrenades.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical circuitryutilized in conjunction with the launcher shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a weapons system incorporating thepresent invention utilizing launchers which are capable of launching theaerodynamic directional grenades and illus trating the manner in which apredetermined area can be saturated with the lethal fragments in a veryshort period of time.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration in plan of the weapons system asshown in FIG. 9 and illustrating the coverage which can be obtained bythe launchers used by the weapons system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The aerodynamicdirectional grenade which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed in such amanner that it has aerodynamic properties for the purpose hereinafterdescribed. Thus, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the grenade isgenerally in the shape of an inverted saucer and is provided with acurved upper convex surface 13 and a generally planar bottom surface 14.The upper curved surface 13 is characterized by a central portion 13a, aslightly curved portion 13b which adjoins the portion 13a, a generallyarcuate downwardly descending portion 13c which adjoins portion 13b andforms an annular rim, and a slightly intumed portion 13d which adjoinsthe portion 13c.

The hereinafter described geometry of the grenade 11 is such that whenthe grenade 1 l is propelled through the air, an aerodynamic lift isimparted to the body. This is because the geometry heretofore describedforms what is conventionally called an airfoil. As is well known tothose skilled in the art, an article is considered an airfoil when thedistance over which the air must travel on the upper surface of thearticle is greater than that which it must travel on the lower surfaceso that a pressure differential is created that provides an aerodynamiclift as the article travels through the air. Since the grenade 11 iscircular or disclike in configuration, the grenade 11 represents anannular or curvilinear airfoil so that even if it is spinning it willcontinuously present an airfoil in the direction of flight of thegrenade 11 if the grenade 11 is being propelled in a direction which issubstantially perpendicular to the axis of a symmetry of the grenade 11.Thus, in summary, aerodynamic lift is imparted to the grenade 11 as afunction of its airfoillike geometry.

The aerodynamic directional grenade 11 which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2includes a body 12 formed of a high-energy explosive. The explosive usedin the grenade is one which is a solid at ambient operatingtemperatures. in addition, the explosive should be one which hashigh-energy and high brisance. Also, it should have a high density andshould be capable of being cast, press-loaded or loaded by other massproduction techniques. It is desirable that the explosive be stable athigher temperatures. Two types of general explosives which would begenerally suitable are cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine lRDX) andcyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) both of which are available fromthe Holston Army Ammunition Plant at Kingsport, Tennessee. There aremany compounds which utilize either RDX or HMX which would be suitable.One which would be particularly suitable is the castable compositioncommonly called Composition B which is normally comprised of 60% RDX and40% TNT by weight. There are other castable compositions which utilizeRDX and HMX as ingredients. There are also suitable pressablecompositions which utilize IRDX. Also if desired. certain plastic bondedexplosives also can be utilized. Alternatively, the explosive can be aliquid, a gel, or any other form which gives a dense consolidation ofexplosive energy.

Fragment producing means is carried adjacent the body 12. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, this fragment producing means takes the form of acircular plate 16 formed of a suitable material such as steel which hasbeen provided with a plurality of serrations 17 in the bottom surface 18to provide a checkerboard pattern. As hereinafter explained, the plate16 has been provided with the serrations 17 so that it will break apartor fragment into many parts upon the detonation of the body 12. Anysuitable means such as an adhesive can be utilized for securing theplate 16 to the bottom planar surface 14 of the body 12.

if desired, a cover 21, formed of a suitable material such as plastic,can be provided to cover the upper portion of the body 12 and the sidesurface of the plate 16 which is secured to the bottom of the body 12.However, such a cover should be unnecessary in many applications becauseas explained previously, the body 12 can be formed of a solidhigh-energy explosive which is capable of being used in the presentapplication without the necessity of a supplemental cover. If a liquidor gel is utilized for the explosive, it could be placed in a cavityformed between the cover 21 and the plate 16 as hereinafter described.

Means is carried by the body 12 for detonating the body 12 and consistsof a combination time delay and detonator assembly 22. This time delayand detonator assembly 22 can be of any conventional type. It is merelynecessary that a predetermined time delay, which need not be tooprecise, be provided and that the body 12 be detonated at theappropriate place within the body at the end of the time delay. Thecombination time delay and detonator unit 22 consists of an outer case23 formed of a suitable conductive metal. The case 23 is embedded withinbody 12 at a point so that the upper extremity of the same extendsslightly above the body 12 so that electrical contact can be made withsame as hereinafter described. The case 23 contains a charge 24 which isformed of a suitable high explosive such as RDX that is capable ofdetonating the body 12. Another charge 26 is provided within case 23 forinitiation of the RDX charge 24 and can typically consist of lead azide.A delay column 27 is mounted adjacent to the charge .26 and preferablyis formed from a gasless delay composition such as a mixture of tungstenmetal, barium chromate, and potassium perchlorate. The desired timedelay can be obtained by varying the length of the delay column 27.Delays in the range from 2 to l seconds can readily be obtained. Anignition material 28 is disposed in the case 23 adjacent to the delaycolumn 27 and typically can be of a type described in copendingapplication, Ser. No. 669,296, filed on Sept. 20, l967 and entitledPyrotechnic Composition. A plurality of resistance wires 31 extendthrough the ignition material 28 and have the other end connected to apin 32 formed of a conducting material. The pin 32 is mounted in aceramic insulator 33 secured to the bottom of the case 23. The pin 32 isin contact with the fragmentation plate 16.

As hereinafter described, when an electrical current path is establishedthrough the time delay and detonator assembly 22 by passing through thecase 23, through the bridgewires or resistance wires 31, to the pin 32,through the plate 16, the resistance wires ignite the ignition mixture28 which in turn ignites the delay column. The delay column after apredetermined length of time initiates the lead azide charge 26 which inturn detonates the detonator charge 24 and which thereafter detonatesthe body 12. As is well known to those skilled in the art, thedetonation front which is created by the detonation of the RDX charge 24propagates essentially spherically from the charge 24, downwardly andoutwardly through the body 12 to fragment the plate 16 along theserrations 17 to provide a great number of fragments which are propelledat a high velocity in a generally downward direction as hereinafterdescribed.

Another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shown inFIG. 3 and consists of an aerodynamic housing or cover 36 which isprovided with an upper curved surface 37 which has much the sameconfiguration as the upper curved convex surface of the cover 21 in FIG.2. The housing or cover 36 can be formed of any suitable material suchas a relatively strong impact resistant plastic such as ABS manufacturedby B. F. Goodrich Company. A body 38 formed from a high-energy explosiveof the type hereinbefore described is disposed within a cavity 39provided within the housing 36. As can be seen, the body 38 is shown inthe form of a disc having a generally rectangular cross section.

it should be appreciated that if desired any other configuration can beused for the body 38 as long as it fits within the cavity 39 providedwithin the housing 36. In this embodiment of the invention, the fragmentforming means takes the form of a fragmentable plate 41 that has beenformed by using a length of steel wire which is rectangular in crosssection which has been wrapped in a spiral and which has been brazedtogether to form the plate 41. The wire has been provided with notches42 at spaced intervals so that when the plate 41 is fragmented it willfragment into a plurality of cubes. The explosive body 38 and thefragmentable plate 41 is retained within the cavity 39 by an inwardlyextending annular portion of the housing 3611 which engages the outerperipheral portion of the fragmentable plate 41 as can be seen in FIG.3. A dishshaped sheet explosive 44 is mounted on top of and engages thetop surface 46 of the explosive body 38. A filler 47 formed of asuitable inert material such as wood or plastic is provided to fill thespace between the sheet explosive 44 and the surface 46.

A combination time delay and detonator assembly 48 is provided fordetonating the grenade. The assembly 48 consists of a conducting metalcase 49 which is embedded in the sheet explosive 44 and in the explosivebody 38 and in other respects is generally very similar to the assembly22 shown in the embodiment FIGS. 1 and 2. in the present embodiment, thecase 49 does not extend through the cover or housing 36 and for thatreason, a contact plate 51 is mounted on the cover on the upper surfacethereof and is connected by a wire 52 to the case. In all other respectsthe function of the time delay and detonator assembly is the same. Upondetonation of the detonator charge at the upper end of the assembly 48,the sheet explosive 44 is first detonated, which in turn detonates body38. Because of the sheet explosive, the body 38 will be detonated in anannular region which will cause a detonation wave front to propagatedownwardly in a direction which is substantially normal to the plane ofthe fragmentable plate 41 so that the fragments which are formed will beprojected downwardly in a substantially vertical direction with verylittle side scatter.

Another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shown inFIG. 4 and also consists of an aerodynamie covering or housing 54 of asuitable material such as hereinbefore described. The cavity 56 providedwithin the housing is substantially filled with a body 57 of ahigh-energy explosive of the general type hereinbefore described. Thefragment forming means is provided by a plurality of steel balls 58which are disposed in a single plane and which are embedded in asuitable retaining material such as a thermosetting plastic or aluminum,to provide a substantially planar platelike assembly 59 which is securedto the bottom of the body 58 by a suitable adhesive. The means carriedby the body for detonation of the body consists of the combination timedelay and detonator assembly 61 similar to the assemblies 42 and 48hereinbefore described. A contact plate 62 is provided on the top of thehousing or cover 54 and is connected by a wire to the case 63. If theballs 58 are embedded in a plastic, an additional contact plate 64 mustbe provided on the bottom surface which is connected by a wire 66 to thepin which makes contact with the bridgewires.

The operation of this embodiment of the grenade is very similar to thosehereinbefore described. The principle difference is that the lethalfragments are in the form of balls 58.

Still another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shownin FIG. 5 and consists of an aerodynamic housing 68 formed of a materialhereinbefore described. As can be seen the housing is provided with acurved upper surface 69 and a bottom planar surface 71. An annular body72 formed of the high-energy explosive is disposed within a cavity 73formed within the housing 68. As can be seen from FIG. 5 the body isformed in such a manner that the outer extremities are inclined upwardlyfrom the horizontal at a suitable angle as for example an angle of 30.For a purpose hereinafter described, fragment forming means is securedto the body in the form of a serrated annular plate 74 which is securedto the lower surface of the body 72 by a suitable means such as anadhesive. Means is provided for detonating the body 72 and consists of acombination time delay and detonator assembly 76 which again is verysimilar to the type hereinbefore described with the exception that it isinverted. A contact plate is mounted on the upper surface 69 and isconnected by a wire 78 to the pin which is connected to the bridgewires.Finally, a contact plate 79 is mounted on the bottom surface 71 of thehousing 68 and is connected by a wire 81 to the case of the assembly 76.In order to properly locate the assembly 76 within the housing 68, asupport block 82 is mounted within the housing and carries the assembly76. In order for the combination time delay and detonator assembly 76 todetonate the annular body 72, suitable means such as a ring of sheetexplosive 83 is provided which engages the lower extremity of theassembly 76 and has its outer margins in contact with the annular body72. The outer margin of the ring 83 can be secured to the body 72 by asuitable means such as a clamping member 84. Alternatively in the placeof the ring of sheet explosive 83, detonating cord or such suitablemeans can be utilized for detonating the body 72 from the assembly 76.

The operation of the grenade shown in FIG. 5 is very similar to thosehereinbefore described with the exception that detonation of the body 72will cause the fragments to be dispersed in an expanding conelikepattern in a downward direction. Because of the inclination of the body72, the pattern which would be covered by a grenade of this type wouldbe substantially greater than the patterns provided by the grenades ofthe other types hereinbefore described.

In all of the embodiments of the aerodynamic directional grenade hereindescribed, it can be seen that the grenade itself has an outer geometrywhich gives an appearance of an inverted saucer so that at all times anairfoil is presented to the air through which the grenade is moving toprovide an aerodynamic lift and in addition when the grenade is rotatedabout its axis of symmetry it will be spin stabilized thereby permittingit to travel relatively long distances at a low velocity as hereinafterdescribed. As pointed out previously the aerodynamic geometry can eitherbe provided by the housing if the explosive is carried within thehousing or alternatively the explosive itself can be fashioned into ageometry giving the desired aerodynamic characteristics to the grenade.The fragment forming means for each of the grenades has been shown asbeing incorporated in the separate element as for example in the platebeing secured to the lower portion of the body, however, alternatively,the elements themselves can even be possibly embedded within theexplosive body adjacent the surface which is nearest the direction inwhich it is desired to propel the fragments or articles. Also it shouldbe appreciated that although the fragments have been shown as beinglocated on the bottom surface of the bodies to cause the fragments to beprojected downward, if desired, the fragment forming means could beformed in other portions of the body and still retain the desirableaerodynamic characteristics of the grenade.

A launcher for launching the grenades hereinbefore described is shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. As shown therein, it consists of a housing 101 formed ofa suitable material such as metal. The housing is provided with spacedparallel top and bottom walls 102 and 103 respectively, and a generallycircular sidewall 104. One portion of the housing 101 is formed toprovide a discharge opening 106 which is generally tangential to aninner surface of a sidewall 104 as can be seen particularly in FIG. 6.The housing 101 is carried by a bearing assembly 108 which is rotatedand mounted upon an output shaft 109 of a speed reducer 111 mounted upona drive motor 112 of a suitable type such as a DC motor. The speedreducer 111 is provided with an additional output shaft 113 whichcarries a pinion gear 114. The pinion gear 114 is spring-loaded in anoutward direction on the shaft 113 by a spring 116. The pinion gear 114is adapted to engage an arcuate rack 117 mounted on the bottom wall 103of the housing 101. The housing 101 is provided with means for receivinggrenades of the type hereinbefore described and consists of acylindrical member 119 mounted slightly off center of the housing 101 toform a receiving opening 121 that opens downwardly through the top wall102 of the housing 101.

A cylindrical magazine 122 is mounted on the cylindrical member 119 in asuitable manner. For example, it can be hinged by the use of hinge means123 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to permit the magazine 122 to be tiltedaway from the vertical in order to permit loading of the same. Themagazine 122 is adapted to receive a cartridge 126 which is alsocylindrical and adapted to fit within the magazine. A plurality of thegrenades 11 are stacked one above the other within the magazine as canbe seen in FIG. 7 with their spin axes being coincident with the axis ofthe cartridge and with their lower planar surfaces facing downwardly inthe cartridge 126.

Means is provided for preventing the grenades 11 provided within thecartridge 126 from dropping into the opening 121 when the magazine 122is raised to the vertical position as shown in FIG. 7. Such meansconsists of a forked member 127 which is provided with a pair of prongs128. The prongs 128 extend through holes 129 provided in the cylindricalmember 119. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the prongs are spaced apart butextend into the opening 121 and prevent the grenades l 1 from droppingthrough the opening while the prongs are in the holes 129.

Suitable means is provided for withdrawing the forked member 127 when itis desired to release the grenades 11 from the magazine 122 and consistsof an electrical solenoid 131 which is mounted on the housing 101.

Means is provided for discharging the grenades 11 when they are droppedinto the housing and consists of a two-bladed impeller 136 which isfixed to the shaft 109 and rotates with the shaft 109. As can be seen inFIG. 6, the impeller 136 extends diametrically in the housing 101 and isof such a length that there is very little space between the impeller136 and the sidewall 104. V

The launcher includes means for initiating operation for each of thegrenades before they are discharged from the launcher which consists ofa contact plate 138 which is secured to the bottom side of the top wall102 of the housing T01 adjacent to the discharge opening 106 as can beseen from FIGS. 6 and 7. The electrical circuitry for operating theinitiation means and the other associated electrical parts of thelauncher is shown in FIG. 8. The circuitry includes a simple source ofpower such as a battery 139 which is adapted to be connected by a switch144 to the operating parts of launcher. The motor 112 is provided with acentrifugal switch 146 which when the motor 112 reaches a predeterminedspeed. closes its contacts to energize the solenoid 131. The motor 112and the contact plate 138 are energized at the time the switch 144 isclosed.

Operation of the launcher shown in FIGS. 6. 7 and 8 may now be describedas follows. Let it be assumed that the cartridge 136 has been loadedwith a suitable number of grenades 11 as for example [8. and that thecartridge has been placed in the magazine 122. Let it also be assumedthat the magazine 122 has been raised to the vertical position and thatthe grenades 11 are resting on the forked member 127 as shown in FIG. 7.Now let it also be assumed that a situation has arisen in which it isdesirable that all the grenades be discharged from the launcher. Thiscan be accomplished by closing the switch .144 which energizes the motor112 and the contact plate 138. As soon as the motor 112 is energized. itoperates the speed reducer 111 which in turn causes rotation of theshafts 109 and 113. The speed reducer 111 is geared in such a mannerthat shaft 109 rotates at a much higher speed than does shaft 113. Theimpeller 136 begins rotating immediately and as soon as the motor 112has reached full speed. the centrifugal switch 146 closes and energizesthe solenoid 131. Energization of the solenoid 131 withdraws the forkedmember 127 and permits the first grenade 11 to drop downwardly inthrough the opening 121 and into the housing 101. Only one grenade at atime can drop into the housing because the housing 101 only has a depthwhich is sufficient to accommodate one grenade at a time. As soon as thegrenade has dropped into the housing. it will be engaged by the impellerwhich by this time will be rotating at full speed and will cause thegrenade to be rotated rapidly about the shaft 109 and at the same timeit will rapidly move outwardly toward the outer wall 104 of the housing101. The grenade will be spun along the outer wall 104 and will pick upcirculatory motion about its axis of symmetry while at the same timegathering momentum in a forward direction so that it will be dischargedvery rapidly through the opening 106 in a tangential direction in agenerally horizontal plane. Because of the aerodynamic characteristicsof the grenade itself, some lifting action will be imparted to thegrenade and it will have a tendency to travel in a gradually upwardtrajectory outwardly from the launcher. Because rotational action hasbeen imparted to the grenade while it is being launched. it is spinstabilized during its flight. Thus, the grenade will have a tendency totravel over relatively long distances at a low velocity and with arelatively precise trajectory. it should be appreciated however thatthese factors can be readily controlled by the size of the grenade. themass, the moment of inertia and the ratio of the rotational momenturn tothe translational momentum imparted to the grenade during launch.However in general. as long as the grenade is traveling, the upwardlycurved surface will remain in an upward position and the lower generallyplanar surface will remain facing downwardly.

it should be pointed out that at the time the grenade was launched. itcame into contact with the contact plate 138 which caused an electricalcurrent flow through the combination time delay and detonator assembly22 carried by the grenade. This caused initiation of the same anddepending upon the time delay that had been built into the grenade, thegrenade will detonate within a predetermined time after launch.Detonation of the grenade will cause a large number of fragments to beprojected downwardly toward the ground to saturate a preselected areawith lethal fragments. The pattern covered by each of the grenades isdetermined by the configuration of the grenade as hereinbeforedescribed.

The grenades are launched in relatively rapid succession by the launcheruntil they have all been launched. The area that TS to be covered by thegrenade can be programmed by using different time delays in thedifferent grenades carried by the cartridge. This would in effect give adispersion in a radial direction. The launcher is provided withadditional means whereby dispersion can be effected circumferentially ofthe launcher. This is accomplished by rotation of the pinion 114 whichtravels relatively slowly to cause rotational movement of the housing101 on the shaft 109 by engagement of the arcuate rack 117. Thus. as thegrenades are sequentially ejected from the launcher. the housing 101 isgradually rotated about its axis so that the grenades are launched todifferent angles with respect to the launcher so that a relatively widearea can be covered with a single launcher.

After all the grenades have been launched, and it is desired to returnthe launcher to its original position, the pinion 114 can be depressed.and the housing 101 can be returned to its normal position by hand.Thereafter, the pinion 114 can be released to again permit it to engagethe rack 117.

A weapons system utilizing the launcher and the grenades hereinbeforedescribed is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown therein. a motorizedvehicle 141 has been provided with six launchers 99. three of which aremounted on opposite sides of the vehicle to provide 360 coverage. Withsuch an arrangement. each of the launchers 99 would be utilized to coveran angle of approximately as shown in FIG. 10. From the pattern that isprovided in FIG. 10. it can be seen that substantially all areas in thegeneral vicinity of the vehicle are covered by the grenades from thelaunchers.

To illustrate the manner of use of the weapons system, let it be assumedthat the vehicle 141 is traveling down a road in enemy territory andthat it finds that the road is blocked and shortly thereafter thevehicle is being fired upon. The operators within the vehicleimmediately initiate a defensive response by operating one or moreswitches to place in operation the launchers 99. The launchers wouldimmediately begin launching the grenades automatically one by one insequence from each launcher so that each launcher would cover itspreselected area surrounding the vehicle with lethal fragments within avery short period of time. It is readily within the capability of eachgrenade to project downwardly at least 3,200 1- grain fragments atvelocities up to 2,000 meters per second in a downward cone-shapedpattern designed to cover an area approximately 40 meters in diameterwith an average fragment impact density of 1 fragment per 5 square feet.By dispersing l8 grenades from each of the launchers, each launchercould uniformly blanket a quadrant with fire extending from a minimumdesirable radius of 50 meters from the vehicle out to a maximumeffective range of approximately 200 meters. With such a high density oflethal fragments. it should be possible to achieve a kill or casualtyprobability of 30 to 40 percent in the immediate area surrounding thevehicle in a relatively short period of time as for example within 30seconds. The dispersion of the grenades from each of the launchers overthe desired pattern would be achieved by the use of different timedelays within the grenades themselves and by rotating the housing 101 ashereinbefore described. The areas that would be covered by the fragmentsresulting from the individual grenades in the quadrant are representedby the circles 146 shown in FIG. 10. Typically, the grenades would bedetonated at a height approximately 20 meters above the ground.

The operation of the weapons system hereinbefore described on thevehicle 141 should be sufficient to suppress the enemy fire and permitthe occupants of the vehicle 141, should it be desirable, to seekprotective cover. Alternatively. if the vehicle has not been damaged,they can withdraw from the area. if other vehicles are accompanying thevehicle 141, the deployment of the weapons system hereinbeforedescribed. can provide sufficient time for conventional weapons to bebrought to bear upon the enemy force.

ln addition to the lethal characteristics of the grenade hereinbeforedescribed, the grenade should also have other psychological deterrentfactors for the enemy. For example the inherent low velocity of thegrenade which makes it visible would present a psychological factor tothe enemy because of the anticipation and fear created by the sight ofthe grenade. In addition, if desired, the serrations on thefragmentation means could be designed such as that when the grenadetravels through the air, it would make a whistling or whining sound topresent an additional psychological factor to the enemy.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided a verynew and novel type of grenade of a type which heretofore has not beenavailable. In addition, there has been provided a launcher whichautomatically can launch a large number of the grenades and distributethe same over a predetermined area. The launcher and the grenades can bereadily combined into a weapons system to provide immediate defensivepower. Although the weapons system has been described for use with themotorized vehicle, it is readily apparent that it can be used inconjunction with other types of vehicles such as patrol boats,helicopters and the like. It will also be apparent that the weaponssystem can be used in tactical situations not involving vehicles of thetype hereinbefore described. For example, the weapons system can beutilized in the protection of field fortifications wherein suchfortifications are subject to periodic infiltration or mass attack byenemy forces. In such instances, the weapons system hereinbeforedescribed can be utilized in preselected quadrants to provide a readysource of emergency fire power to be utilized in the event of enemytroop attack requiring immediate response.

We claim:

1. A time delay aerodynamic directional grenade designed for in-flightdetonation above ground to direct fragments thereof generally in asingle direction downwardly, comprising an airfoil contoured symmetricalbody having generally a disc shape defined by a generally planarcircular bottom surface and a curved convex upper surface joined withsaid bottom surface at an annular rim, such airfoil contour impartingaerodynamic lift to said grenade as the same moves through the air priorto detonation thereof; said body comprising a mass of high-energyexplosive; a platelike member operatively secured to said mass ofexplosive and adapted to be fragmented and propelled downwardly upondetonation of said explosive; and time-delay detonator means carried bysaid body for detonating said mass of explosive in the air apredetermined time after said grenade is launched; said time delaydetonator means including contact plate structure exposed at one surfaceof said grenade for initiating detonation of said mass of explosive inpredetermined time delay sequence following launching of said grenade.

2. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member defines saidbottom surface of said grenade.

3. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by aserrated plate designed to separate into a plurality of separatefragments upon detonation of said mass of explosive.

4. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator meansfurther includes a detonator charge for initiating detonation of saidmass of explosive a predetermined time after initiation of detonation ofsaid detonator charge.

5. The grenade of claim 4 in which said time delay detonator meansfurther includes a column of delay composition interposed between saiddetonator charge and said mass of explosive, said delay column being ofpredetermined length selected in accordance with the length of timedelay desired between launching of said grenade and in-flight detonationof said mass of explosive.

6. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means is ofthe type which is electrically actuatable upon electric current beingapplied to said contact late structure.

7. The grenade o c arm 1 whlch |s fu er defined by a housing ofgenerally inverted saucer shape enclosing said mass of explosive, and inwhich said platelike member defines the bottom surface thereof andcloses off said housing.

8. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by anotched coil of wire formed into a fragmentable plate.

9. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by aplurality of balls embedded in a generally flat mass of fragmentablematerial.

10. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator meansfurther includes a sheet explosive overlying said mass of explosive andpositioned in an annular region above said mass of explosive topropagate a detonation wave train downwardly through said mass ofexplosive.

11. The grenade of claim 1 in which said mass of explosive is in theshape of an annulus which is inclined upwardly from the horizontal, andin which said platelike member is secured to the bottom of said annulusand inclined therewith.

1. A time delay aerodynamic directional grenade designed for inflightdetonation above ground to direct fragments thereof generally in asingle direction downwardly, comprising an airfoil contoured symmetricalbody having generally a disc shape defined by a generally planarcircular bottom surface and a curved convex upper surface joined withsaid bottom surface at an annular rim, such airfoil contour impartingaerodynamic lift to said grenade as the same moves through the air priorto detonation thereof; said body comprising a mass of high-energyexplosive; a platelike member operatively secured to said mass ofexplosive and adapted to be fragmented and propelled downwardly upondetonation of said explosive; and time-delay detonator means carried bysaid body for detonating said mass of explosive in the air apredetermined time after said grenade is launched; said time delaydetonator means including contact plate structure exposed at one surfaceof said grenade for initiating detonation of said mass of explosive inpredetermined time delay sequence following launching of said grenade.2. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member defines saidbottom surface of said grenade.
 3. The grenade of claim 1 in which saidplatelike member is defined by a serrated plate designed to separateinto a plurality of separate fragments upon detonation of said mass ofexplosive.
 4. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonatormeans further includes a detonator charge for initiating detonation ofsaid mass of explosive a predetermined time after initiation ofdetonation of said detonator charge.
 5. The grenade of claim 4 in whichsaid time delay detonator means further includes a column of delaycomposition interposed between said detonator charge and said mass ofexplosive, said delay column being of predetermined length selected inaccordance with the length of time delay desired between launching ofsaid grenAde and in-flight detonation of said mass of explosive.
 6. Thegrenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means is of thetype which is electrically actuatable upon electric current beingapplied to said contact plate structure.
 7. The grenade of claim 1 whichis further defined by a housing of generally inverted saucer shapeenclosing said mass of explosive, and in which said platelike memberdefines the bottom surface thereof and closes off said housing.
 8. Thegrenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by anotched coil of wire formed into a fragmentable plate.
 9. The grenade ofclaim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by a plurality ofballs embedded in a generally flat mass of fragmentable material. 10.The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means furtherincludes a sheet explosive overlying said mass of explosive andpositioned in an annular region above said mass of explosive topropagate a detonation wave train downwardly through said mass ofexplosive.
 11. The grenade of claim 1 in which said mass of explosive isin the shape of an annulus which is inclined upwardly from thehorizontal, and in which said platelike member is secured to the bottomof said annulus and inclined therewith.